Description
A quick and easy one-pan meal made with ground beef, quinoa, vegetables, and savory spices. Perfect for busy weeknights and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in quinoa, beef broth, bell pepper, zucchini, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese if using.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian (with plant-based meat).
- Add black beans or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg